Courses

Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.

About NUI Galway

Since 1845, NUI Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.

Course Overview

The objective of this Master of Science course is to provide training for the next generation of healthcare workers in the clinical research arena. The course aims to provide a platform for achieving greater efficiencies in applying medical discoveries to clinical practice. It is aimed at qualified individuals who wish to become independent clinical investigators or those who wish to seek employment in leadership positions in clinical research teams.

The MSc (Clinical Research) is intended to be a part-time two-year programme of academic study in Clinical Research Methodology. Year 1 will be spent at NUI Galway and Year 2 is completed by a combination of distance learning, and on-site modules delivered by NUI Galway. A full-time one-year option is available to students who wish to complete the MSc in a full-time capacity.

Special Features

This is the only Masters programme of its kind in Ireland. Course contributors include senior academics and medical professionals from NUI Galway, and Saolta University Health Care Group who are actively engaged in clinical research. This programme is closely linked with the HRB Clinical Research Facility, Galway.

Full-time registered MSc Students are offered a unique experience to partake in a one year work placement in the HRB Clinical Research Facility. This funded scholarship allows the student gain greater understanding of clinical research, its conduct, clinical research practice guidelines and data entry requirements. These skills will contribute to the students overall learning and are transferable to their career in clinical research practice. Each year the HRB CRF is able to take a limited number of students, therefore we also have an option to gain experience in the clinical research setting through a volunteering program that would provide great hands-on experience in Clinical Research.

Eligibility criteria

Full-time registers MSc in Clinical Research students

Available for scholarship placement from September 2018–August 2019

Be available to work 20 hours/ week

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Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment will take the form of formal, end-of-module examinations as well as continuous assessment, evaluation of contribution to group discussions and module projects. Semester One exams take place in December; Semester Two exams take place in April/May. The research thesis is submitted in August.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Students must have completed either; 1) Undergraduate degree in medicine or; 2) Other healthcare-related undergraduate degree, minimum of Second Class Honours degree Grade 1* or; 3) Biomedical Sciences, minimum of Second Class Honours degree Grade 1*. Applications from graduates of non-healthcare related degrees are also considered (minimum requirement of Second Class Honours degree Grade 1*) on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with significant relevant experience will also be considered for this programme.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Clinical Research graduates are expected to progress to become principal investigators or administrators in theconduct, managing and monitoring of clinical research. Such roles have become a prominent source of jobs in a variety of settings, including universities and colleges, the pharmaceutical industry, non-academic clinical research organisations, hospitals, independent funding agencies and government agencies. Additional opportunities include employment in teaching and consultation settings.